The Cedar Keyhole, an artist co-op in Cedar Key, is featuring Steve Bloom as its Artist of the Month for January.

Steve creates gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, hand forged knives with Damascus steel blades and handles of exotic woods, bone and antler. He studied blacksmithing at the Campbell Folk School and has been active in the Florida Blacksmith Association since 1983, serving as trustee, program chairman, editor and webmaster.

The Cedar Keyhole is an artist co-operative of 21 local and regional artists. These artists exhibit works of glass, jewelry, leather, wood, pottery, mosaics, paper, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, copper, steel, stone and silk. The Keyhole is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on 2nd St. in Cedar Key.

Thursday

‘Learn at the Library’

As part of our “Learn at the Library 2013” series, on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m., Jennifer Saranzak, outreach and education specialist for recreational marine fisheries for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will talk about marine habitats in the Cedar Key area.

Do you ever wonder where fish live or what is brackish water? Jennifer Saranzak will provide a short and basic introduction to the following marine habitats: estuaries, seagrass beds, salt marsh, oyster bars, open ocean, artificial reefs and marine debris. Participants will learn the importance of each habitat, negative human impacts and ways to conserve each.

As always, programs at the library are free and open to the public.

January 17

‘Hobday’ to speak to Historical Society

The Cedar Key Historical Society will kick off the 2013 season of monthly coffees on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. The speaker will be Toni C. Collins, local historian and author, who will introduce her latest book, “The Lady of the Lighthouse: A Biography.”

Toni will entertain and enlighten those who attend with the intriguing story of Catharine Dorgan Hobday, the only female to serve at the Cedar Keys Light Station on Seahorse Key. In addition, she will provide a look into Catharine’s family and her relationships with men of the sea and the ships which they commanded and sailed.

Staged on the waterways of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Catharine’s story is interwoven with 18th and 19th century historical events and chronicle the lives of ordinary people who ofttimes were engaged in extraordinary activities. Copies of the book will be available and can be signed by the author.

The program will be held at the Cedar Key Community Center, 6th and F Streets, Cedar Key. To reach the Center, turn right off SR 24 at Annie’s Restaurant and drive two blocks north. The Center is on the right.

For more information, please contact the Cedar Key Historical Society at 352-543-5549. The public is cordially invited to attend.

January 19

Winter Library Speaker Series

On Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a. m., Pegeen Hanrahan, former Gainesville mayor, will speak at the Cedar Key Library on behalf of Florida's Water and Land Legacy, Inc. The Water and Land Legacy campaign is seeking to gather signatures to have a voter initiative conservation amendment placed on the Florida 2014, election ballot.

The primary goal of this amendment would require the state to designate a specified percentage of the revenues collected under Florida's Real Estate Doc Stamp Program into the state’s conservation budget. These programs include parks, recreation, hunting, fishing, land acquisition and management, aquaculture, springs, clean water initiatives, restoration, etc. Over the last 20 years, these programs have received high priority; however, since 2009, the legislature has slashed funding for these programs by 97.5 percent.

The Cedar Key tourist industry and aquaculture industry have derived tremendous benefit from the pure water and vast undeveloped public and private land which surrounds the tiny island community. In the past, Cedar Key has pioneered in water quality initiatives. (But make no mistake, change is coming to Northwest Central Florida.)

So plan ahead, mark your calendar and plan to be at this informative event. (Hopefully, Cedar Key will show vigorous and unanimous support for this much needed amendment.)

Manatee Awareness Month program

Manatee Springs State Park will host a variety of featured guests on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of its celebration of Manatee Awareness Month.

With the cooler weather, the featured guest will be the manatee, along with partners in manatee protection awareness, education and enforcement. Various agencies will have booths set up so visitors can enjoy learning about the gentle giants and how to protect them.

The Manatee Spring, the head spring at Manatee Springs State Park, emits mineral-rich water at a constant 72 degrees which provides a warm water haven for the manatee when other bodies of waters' temperatures decrease below 68 degrees.

Activities for Saturday program are free with a paid park admission in January. For more information call the park at 352-493-6072 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Manatee Springs State Park is at 11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland.

January 26

Moonlight Paddle at Manatee park

Manatee Springs State Park will host a moonlight paddle event on the Suwannee River starting at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26. The paddle will start at Manatee Springs State Park, 11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland.

Participants will learn about the history of the river while enjoying the beautiful scenery by moonlight. The park’s Citizen Support Organization will provide a short program following the moonlight paddle. Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a rental kayak for $20 or canoe for $30 through Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures, call 571-230-0906. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water, a flashlight and whistle. Children under the age of six and pets are not allowed due to safety. Park entrance fees of $6 per carload of up to eight people will apply. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Other moonlight paddles will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

For more information, call Melissa LeMatty at 352-493-6072 or Joleen Dudley at 352-493-6736.

January 27

Acoustical Afternoon for the Arts

Set down your worries and come hoist a glass and be entertained at the 3rd annual Acoustical Afternoon Fundraiser for the Arts Festival at the Cedar Key Island Room, Sunday Jan. 27, from 3-5 p.m. This year, in addition to the sublime music of acoustical guitarist Joe Peters, come witness the Cracker Stories of local artist and storyteller Bill Roberts and the Lady Of The Lighthouse as portrayed by Toni Collins. Plus, join in the silent auction for artwork from award winning artists -you could pick up a gem for a bargain. Tickets are $20 at the Welcome Center or call Laura at 352-543-5400. Only 100 seats are available, so book early for this never before, not-to-be-missed event.

February 2

Fair organizers looking for donations

The Levy County Fair Association will be having its annual yard sale fund-raiser on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8 a.m. at Keeping It Green Nursery on the corner of North Main Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue in Williston, across from Williston General Dentistry.

Organizers are looking for donations for the yard sale and encourage early spring cleaning.

The Levy County Fair Association is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Volunteers will also pick up and/or move your donations. Call Marc at 352-538-5551 to make arrangements.

The Fair will be April 11-14 at the Williston Airport Industrial Park, across from the Williston Horseman’s Park.

Visit and click on the Creative Arts link to see all the Creative Arts categories from baking & food preservation, to sewing and hobby crafts. There will also be a complete livestock show, full midway, attractions, games, exhibitions and food.